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Newcastle United are expecting to hear ‘something significant’ on their Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) case against the Premier League imminently.

That’s according to Shields Gazette journalist Liam Kennedy (via Twitter).

The lowdown

Mike Ashley has taken the Premier League to the CAT as well as initiating arbitration proceedings, and the disputes centre around the stalled takeover by a Saudi-led consortium.

A report from The Independent on Saturday suggested that the takeover was unlikely to go through before the start of the new Premier League season as Newcastle kick-off the campaign with a home fixture against West Ham United on 15 August.

A source told the newspaper that ‘the uncertainty is affecting how the club is operating’, with Ashley reluctant to spend on transfers ‘if he is not going to be the owner’.

The latest

‘Club sources’ have indicated that an important update on the CAT case will arrive as soon as ‘this week’.

However, Kennedy does sound a note of instinctive scepticism as he tweeted: “Club sources suggesting they are expecting to hear something significant on the CAT case this week.

“As ever with #NUFC though, we watch & wait.”

The verdict

At this stage, it would be understandable if Newcastle fans were distancing themselves from all the noise surrounding this prospective takeover.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters offered assurances at the start of this year that a resolution would be reached ‘in a timely manner’, but it has proven to be an exhausting process.

However, Kennedy’s update offers optimism that things are finally starting to ramp up, hopefully leading to decisive developments in the next month or so.

In other news, the demands of this Newcastle target have been revealed.

Many Wolves fans have been left to flock to a transfer update involving Samu Costa.

As per Diario de Almeria, the Midlands club are eyeing a potential move for the Portugal U20 international in the summer window, but would have to pay a fee of €25m (£21.5m) for his signature.

Costa is certainly a promising player having represented his country at youth level, and helped Almeria reach the La Liga 2 play-offs while on loan from Braga, playing in 40 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season, scoring two goals and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

However, £21.5m is certainly a bit excessive for someone who has not really proved himself at the highest level, and at just 20 years of age, is still relatively raw.

Wolves fans on Costa transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful seemed split as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one WWFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘very underwhelming’:

“If this is first team squad signing then it’s very underwhelming. Not exactly an upgrade on anyone and not someone we’re exactly excited to see”

Credit: @GoldenWolves2

“Another garbage youngster from Portugal!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

“41 senior games. €25m. Make it make sense”

Credit: @Gary_Poynton

“Have I watched a lot of his videos on YouTube….maybe. But he’s got a great left foot by the looks, could offer great balance in midfield. Seems to love to run with it too. Very powerful. Only criticism is you could probs get Zambo same price. If that’s what you want. A unit….”

Credit: @ThePavFM

“I actually wouldn’t mind this. Only seen Almeria play a couple cup games, but he looks like a really promising midfielder and Braga fans seem to rate him. Could be a good squad addition if we’re desperate for midfielders”

Credit: @KingiMatt

“Good player tbf, decent left foot on him.”Credit: @YasWWFCIn other news, find out what Ruben Neves transfer update has got Wanderers talking here!

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he expects Roy Hodgson to take a break from football after his Crystal Palace departure, following reports from The Sun that he could be a contender to replace Sam Allardyce at West Bromwich Albion.

Following just under four years in the Selhurst Park dugout, the 73-year-old made the decision to stand down from his role at his boyhood club earlier this week.

Palace have endured a poor end to Hodgson’s reign, winning just three times in their final 11 Premier League games, and whilst they could finish as low as 16th depending on final-day results, he’s continued the good work from those before him to make the Eagles an established top-flight club.

They never finished lower than 14th in Hodgson’s, showing that he’s clearly still more than good enough to manage at Premier League level despite this being his 45th year as a manager.

Hodgson’s previous club job before Palace was West Brom, with Jeremy Peace labelling him as “outstanding” following his appointment in the west Midlands in 2011. And following the departure of Sam Allardyce, does Windass believe he could make a sensational return to the Hawthorns?

He told Football FanCast:

“I think he needs to take a break; he’s getting on now. I’m aware that he’s hands on, on the training ground, but take a bit of time out, do a bit of media work, watch a lot of games.

“I think he will sit off now, enjoy your life. He’s been remarkable. I’ve never met him but he looks like a gentleman, but I think he will walk away.”

Manchester City have recently been tipped to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski this summer and he could be a superb addition to Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of next season.

Former Inter legend Giuseppe Bergomi spoke to Przeglad Sportowy recently about the Poland international and suggested that he would be a good fit at the Etihad Stadium in the near future, saying: “Zielinski is an extraordinary player. He often makes moves that fascinate you, that leave you speechless. It makes you think he really is among the best in the world.

“Sometimes he fails. It’s as if he doesn’t always show these qualities. Maybe for this reason he’s not yet among the best in the world – but he is really very strong.

“In this respect, he can improve. Despite this, he is an outstanding footballer who can play for all Serie A teams and more. For me, the Pole would be an ideal player for Manchester City.

“He is a master of technique and Guardiola appreciates such players very much.”

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The 27-year-old midfielder has certainly enjoyed an impressive campaign at Napoli despite their failure to earn a Champions League spot for next season, contributing eight goals and 10 assists in 36 Serie A appearances.

His performances in Italy’s top flight earned him an impressive 7.16 average rating from WhoScored, which was the second-best of any player at Stadio San Paolo, so it is no surprise that he is being touted as a potential option for Manchester City this summer.

The £41.4m-rated midfielder averaged 1.6 key passes per game in Serie A in 2020/21, bettered only in the Manchester City squad by Kevin De Bruyne (3.2), whilst Riyad Mahrez and Joao Cancelo both averaged 1.6 also.

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Therefore, it definitely seems that Zielinski is the type of player Guardiola would appreciate having in his squad, and considering that City have been linked with him in the past, this definitely seems like the sort of deal sporting director Txiki Begiristain should be targeting this summer.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano drops major Man City claim on “world-class” star, Pep will be buzzing

A number of Liverpool supporters have been laughing at rivals Manchester United, following claims that they tried to bring Ibrahima Konate to Old Trafford.

The Reds have made a positive start to their summer transfer business, signing Konate from RB Leipzig last month, in what looks an exciting move.

The young Frenchman is seen as a centre-back with huge potential and the hope is that he can be a top player for many years to come at Anfield.

It has been claimed by Anfield Central that United contacted Konate over a move to Old Trafford, only to find out that he had already agreed personal terms with Liverpool.

In many ways, it sums up the contrast in how both clubs are run currently, with the Reds mostly getting their business done smoothly and United often flattering to deceive, leading to the departure of Ed Woodward.

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Liverpool fans mock Man United

These Reds fans took to Twitter (via LFC Transfer Room) to mock their bitter rivals, having beaten them to the signing of Konate.

“Ha ha ha”

Credit: @possibilities86

“It’s happened again”

Credit: @ciangarrehy24

“It’s VVD’s episode all over again”

Credit: @DarthMaulVII

“Things you absolutely love to see”

Credit: @ZK_Sim

“United finished on and off the pitch”

Credit: @Ctsthtat01

“Ooops!”

Credit: @olori_lfc

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after a key update regarding one Reds player. Find out who it is here. 

Eddie Howe will become the new permanent manager of Celtic, succeeding Neil Lennon as Hoops boss, according to talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Howe waiting on staff?

Howe had verbally agreed on a move to Celtic Park back in early April, but it seems as if the 43-year-old will now finally be heading to Glasgow.

Reports in recent weeks appear to show that Howe is looking to bring some members of staff from his previous employers with him to Glasgow.

Scout Mark Burchill, along with coaches Simon Weatherstone and Stephen Purches were names mentioned, however, they are currently preparing for Bournemouth’s playoff ties against Brentford.

Should the Cherries progress to the final at Wembley, that would keep them occupied until the end of the month, however, it seems as if a deal for Howe is already in the bag.

The Latest: Howe heading to Celtic

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who covers Bournemouth and Southampton, was talking on the White and Jordan show on Wednesday.

He had this to say on Howe taking over at Celtic Park, admitting some of the 43-year-old’s backroom staff will come from the south coast.

“I’ve been told from very reliable sources that Eddie Howe is now heading to Celtic for the start of next season and is even starting to assemble his backroom team.

“Some of that backroom team will come from Bournemouth and one of the reasons for the delay is of course Bournemouth are part of the Championship play-offs, looking to get back into the Premier League, and that could hamper Eddie Howe’s chances of taking one or two of his former coaches with him to Glasgow.

“But Eddie Howe will be the new Celtic manager in time for the start of next season.”

The Verdict: Brilliant news for Desmond and McKay

In our opinion, this is great news for owner Dermot Desmond and new CEO Dominic McKay.

Desmond was the man who met Howe for talks in London back in April, and it seems as if Howe has been Desmond’s main target over the last six weeks, despite links to Roy Keane resurfacing.

It may also benefit McKay massively. With the Hoops having just one game left this season, plans for the 2021/22 campaign need to be pieced together as soon as possible, with a potentially major rebuild coming in the summer if the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer leave the club.

The longer the manager saga dragged on the more pressure it would heap on McKay, but with Howe looking likely to be the man in charge, all Celtic need now is a director of football in place so a Parkhead rebuild can really kick in.

In other news: Celtic source shares John Kennedy future latest, find out more here. 

Fabian Schar has taken a significant step closer to a return to Newcastle’s first team after lining-up for the Magpies’ under-23s on Monday.

Schar was included in the starting XI for the Premier League 2 Division 2 clash against Crystal Palace, with Christian Atsu also featuring.

Schar defies initial injury predictions

The 29-year-old was initially ruled out for ‘several months’ after sustaining a torn knee ligament in the 3-2 win over Southampton in February.

A Sky Sports report suggested at the time that he may have played his last game for the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Indeed, the Switzerland international said at the time that his focus was on getting fit for the European Championships.

However, there was an optimistic update earlier this month, with Schar revealing that he had a chance of featuring at the back end of the season and would ‘do everything’ to be fit in time for the end of Newcastle’s campaign.

Those hopes may well be realised, barring any setbacks, as there are still five games of the season remaining.

Newcastle have taken giant strides towards safety in Schar’s absence, with a run of eight points from a possible 12 opening up a nine-point gap to the drop zone.

Transfer Tavern verdict

After hosting Arsenal this weekend, Newcastle face daunting assignments against Leicester City and Manchester City, but they then finish the season against already-relegated Sheffield United and a Fulham side who could also be consigned to the Championship by the time of their final-day clash on 23 May.

Those final two fixtures could be ideal matches in which to ease Schar back into the first team, with the potential for nothing other than pride at stake by that time. Perhaps we haven’t yet seen the last of him in a Magpies shirt, despite previous reports to the contrary.

In other news, Newcastle fans have been offered a potential timeline for the club’s takeover.

Mark Douglas has claimed that Newcastle United could sign Jetro Willems for free in the summer transfer window.

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the journalist has claimed that the Magpies will get another chance to sign the former fans’ favourite, as many members of the Toon Army begged for him to be signed on a permanent deal after his loan spell in the northeast last season. His contract at Eintracht Frankfurt expires at the end of June, making him available on a free transfer thereafter.

Willems is apparently still keen on a reunion with the Tyneside club, but he also has interest from Panathinaikos. The Netherlands international remains a close friend to Allan Saint-Maximin, which could help the Magpies’ chances of signing him up.

Newcastle should bring Willems back

Given the strong relationship that he developed with the supporters, Newcastle should bring Willems back, especially if it means that they would not have to pay a transfer fee to do so.

The 27-year-old did well during his time in the Premier League, winning no fewer than 5.1 of his duels per match, in addition to averaging two clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.1 successful dribbles per game (Sofascore).

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Nonetheless, the left-back could certainly be a useful squad player for Steve Bruce to have around come the start of next season if Newcastle succeed in snapping him up on a free transfer.

In other news, find out what arbitration insight Douglas has dropped from takeover sources.

Aston Villa are lining up a £7m offer for Celtic midfielder David Turnbull, according to The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Turnbull’s award-winning campaign

The Hoops may have not had the season they wanted, but Turnbull certainly made an impact in his first campaign as a Celtic player.

He netted nine times and provided eight assists in 35 appearances, booking his spot at this summer’s European Championships as a result.

Turnbull was also named the PFA Scotland’s Young Player of the Year recently, and it seems as his displays have caught the eye at Villa Park.

The Latest: Villa readying offer

The Scottish Sun claim that Villa manager Dean Smith is looking to add to his creative midfield ranks ahead of the 2021/22 season and has received glowing reports regarding Turnbull.

Villa representatives have watched Turnbull on numerous occasions and now thought to be readying a £7m bid.

Turnbull’s Transfermarkt valuation stands at just £1.62m, so the Hoops look set to be tested with a bid over four times that figure.

The Verdict: Hoops must keep Turnbull

Unless a club-record bid comes in (£24.3m), we think Celtic should reject all offers for the 21-year-old this summer.

There looks set to be a Parkhead rebuild both on and off the pitch this summer, and Turnbull has shown he can be an integral part of Celtic’s future with his displays in a struggling Hoops side this season.

He starred on his European debut, netting the winner against Lille and completed more key passes than any player in the Scottish Premiership (80), as per WhoScored.

On that basis, we think Celtic need to keep hold of the midfielder, who Frank McAvennie described as ‘incredible’, going forward and should snub a proposed £7m offer.

In other news: Celtic transfer U-turn comes to light; decision made at the end of the season, find out more here.

David Sullivan could deliver West Ham United the Premier League’s new Thierry Henry by edging out Arsenal to sign Slavia Prague forward Abdallah Sima.

What’s the word?

According to Eurosport, the two London clubs have shown the most interest in a move for Sima ahead of the summer transfer market.

The capital rivals are among a clutch of various clubs to have instructed scouts to weigh up a move for Sima after his eye-catching performances in the Europa League and the Fortuna Liga this season.

Juventus are also monitoring the 19-year-old’s situation after identifying the teen sensation as a potential future star, whilst the Serie A giants line up options to form their offensive line for at least the next few years.

Sima only made his senior Slavia Prague debut in September but already boasts 15 goals and six assists in 28 appearances across all competitions, including their second to eliminate Leicester City from the Europa League in the round of 32.

Scouts from across Europe are on Sima’s case as the Senegal international – who made his Lions of Teranga debut last month – has displayed mesmerising ability with the ball at his feet through a direct and stylish nature.

Arsenal are set to gain first-hand knowledge of the teenager’s potential having been drawn to face Jindrich Trpisovsky’s men in the quarter-finals. An impressive showing from the young forward is expected to see Mikel Arteta’s side firm up their interest.

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Slavia Prague chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik recently claimed that it would take offers in the region of €20m-25m (£17m-21.5m) to sell Sima in the summer, as the funds would help set up the Cervenobili for the next five years.

Should West Ham sign Slavia Prague’s Sima?

Sullivan and the West Ham hierarchy would be banking millions on Sima based on a single season of first team football, but his potential almost knows no limits and he has clearly not been afraid to take on the toughest opponents he has faced.

As well as scoring against Leicester, Sima struck home and away against Nice in the Europa League group stage. He also won each of his three ground duels away to the Foxes and six of 13 over both round of 16 ties with Rangers, taking his average to 2.9 a game and with a 48% success rate in the Europa League, per SofaScore.

It has been no wonder that pundits have been awash with praise for the youngster, with Brian Laudrup telling the Daily Mail last month, via quotes shared by Glasgow Live: “Sima, in particular, is a wonderful player.

“He is only 19 years of age, but is very good in the air and can take players on. He’s quick and is scoring for fun in the Czech league. He maybe wasn’t at his best in the first-leg [vs Rangers] but if he reaches top form, it’s going to be a tough night for [Steven] Gerrard’s defence.”

Sima has also been dubbed the ‘Senegalese Henry’ having often been forced to play on the wing rather than his preferred centre-forward role, but the 6 ft 2 attacker cuts inside to great effect akin to the Arsenal icon.

The chance to follow in the footsteps of Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal – who both left Slavia Prague before Sima’s breakthrough – by moving to the Premier League with West Ham could prove attractive for the forward, and it is something Sullivan should certainly explore.

AND in other news, West Ham land boost in £17m race to sign “one of the finest footballers” who was David Moyes’ dream target in 2020…